The Virtual Institute invites applications from academics and government officials from English-speaking African countries to participate in a workshop on natural resources and economic development to be held in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, July 12-16.

Sponsored by the Government of Norway and organized in cooperation with the Norwegian Oil for Development Initiative, UNCTAD's Special Unit on Commodities and the University of Dar-es-Salaam, the workshop is based on new Vi teaching materials on harnessing mining and oil and gas for development.

Applications and supporting documents must be received no later than May 21.

The workshop seeks to promote knowledge and understanding of the relationship between natural resources and economic growth and the policies needed to harness oil, gas and minerals for development.

In addition to discussing the integration of the teaching material in future teaching and research activities, a special emphasis will be given to the linkage between research and policymaking, with activities to facilitate and enhance communication between academics and policymakers, assessing current policies and identifying policy-oriented research questions and methodologies.

UNCTAD will cover costs of travel and accommodation for participants from Least Developed countries; others may participate in the workshop at their own expense. Subject matter experts may apply for funding from the Vi to contribute as resource persons.

For more information:

• Prospectus
• Application for government officials
• Application for academics and resource persons